Surf Life Saving New Zealand has performed more than twice as many rescues so far this season compared with the same time last year. Between Labour Weekend and the weekend before Christmas, surf lifeguards across New Zealand performed 240 rescues — 127 more than during the same timeframe in 2024. Statistics are up in other areas, surf lifeguards performing 74 more assists, seven more major first aid procedures and eight more searches compared with the same period in 2024. "At the same time, conditions have seen dangerous rips and currents, particularly around sandbanks and channels." He said surf lifeguards would continue to actively engage with beachgoers, taking proactive actions to move people out of danger, and manage risk before it turned into an emergency.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 23, 2025 15:40 UTC